The inaugural Saudi Cup seemed to go off without a hitch, with the new world's richest race in the world seeing 14 star horses head to post in a battle for the $20 million Saudi Cup.
However, after Maximum Security narrowly landed the event which would see his owners get $10 million everything seemed to be going to plan but the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia (JCSA) is withholding prize-money due to criminal charges against the winning trainer Jason Servis in the US.
The owner is part of a alleged widespread doping scheme that has seen 27 people possibly involved in criminal activity.
RACING NEWS: The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia is withholding the prize-money the $20 million Saudi Cup, due to criminal charges against the winning trainer Jason Servis in the US.
— The Winners Enclosure (@TWEnclosure) April 13, 2020
Credit - @AtTheRaces pic.twitter.com/Sqky7xuzm6
It was released last month that a performance-enhancing substance was administered to Saudi Cup winner Maximum Security in 2019, when he was named champion three-year-old colt in the US.
(Credit Racing Post) The JCSA said: "We are aware that Jason Servis has been indicted in the US on charges relating to the administration of prohibited substances to horses under his care and control.
"The JCSA is conducting its own investigation into the allegations and until that is concluded, will withhold payment of prize-money to all connections of horses placed in prize-winning positions.
"The decision has been communicated privately to connections of Saudi Cup runners. Due to difficult operational circumstances caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the investigation is not yet concluded."